Goodman’s Field, HQ Workplace
The new HQ offices for the Berkeley Homes South East London were formerly occupied by them as the site offices for their major residential and mixed-use development, Goodman’s Field. Located close to one of the World’s leading financial districts and in one of the most cosmopolitan areas of London, contemporary studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are set within seven acres of stunning residential development, with many of the City’s famous landmarks, extensive transport routes, social and cultural attractions right on the doorstep.
Working closely with the senior management team at BHSEL whilst at PTAL, Simon Spiteri, (now Cowan Architects Director), developed the strategic, conceptual and operational brief for their new office in mid-2019 with the project successfully handing over for occupation in summer 2020. The concept developed was to provide two concepts in one. The first being to provide a corporate face to the entrance reception area with meeting rooms and second a playful, semi-industrial workplace with intimate and open agile areas for staff to work in. Through a process of strategy workshops, mood board development, clever lighting design and biophilic overlay of the interior, the design offered a modern workplace HQ for the 21st Century.
Workplace flexibility was core to the brief and the design responded by providing several areas for staff to work from, including breakout soft seating booths and a long marble faced ‘hot desk’ for those who just wanted a different view of the office! There are several key design features within the workplace that help to provide a layering to the design. These include the bold statement ‘acid’ blue sprayed out ceiling, consciously exposed services and a beautiful solid oak timber lattice. Cellular offices are formed from minimal black framed glass partitions around the main space and the backdrop to these offices is softly lit oak joinery. Circulation areas are playfully and demarcated by variegated hanging faux planting in brass spun vessels, all set against a warm, inviting and contemporary interior.